Syracuse Orange vs Iowa State Cyclones Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/26/25

Despite going 2-0 in the Players Era Tournament, No. 15 Iowa State finds themselves matched up against Syracuse in the first consolation game today in Las Vegas. This event expanded from eight teams last year to 18 this year, moving away from the traditional bracket method and using a point-differential format instead. Regardless, Iowa State won’t be fazed by missing out on potentially winning the Player Eras tournament – they’ll be focused on avoiding an upset that could potentially impact their national ranking.  

Iowa State is one of the most balanced teams in the field, averaging 90.5 points per game on 51.7% shooting while allowing only 65.2 points per game. Tamin Lipsey leads the Cyclones with 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and their overall depth makes them a difficult matchup for any opponent. The Orange nearly pulled off an upset against Houston, losing in overtime 78-74. However, in their next matchup against Kansas, they didn’t play nearly as well, shooting just 31.7% and going 7-30 from deep. Donnie Freeman leads the Orange with 17.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and while they do have five players averaging double figures, Iowa State is the more complete and consistent team. Iowa State handled business against St. John’s and Creighton in this tournament, and they should have no issues handling Syracuse in this matchup and cover the double-digit spread. 

Syracuse vs Iowa State prediction: Iowa State -10  (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.